POSTGRADUATE INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE (PGIS)

UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA

M.Sc. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

2010/2011

1. INTRODUCTION

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are fast growing areas of Science and Technology which
span the entire spectrum of science and technology including next generation electronics,
engineering materials, advanced materials and coatings, devices, computers, medicine,
textiles, sports equipment, polymers, biology, agriculture, food science, etc. The western
countries as well as our neighbouring countries such as India, Thailand, Korea, Singapore,
etc. have already taken steps to train manpower to carry out Research and Development
(R&D) activities on this fast growing area of science. Nanotechnology is considered the next
generation Industrial Revolution without which the industrial sector cannot sustain. Sri
Lankan state and private sectors are highly enthusiastic on developing nanotechnological
research and development activities and to facilitate this task, Sri Lanka Institute for
Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) has already been formed.

The M.Sc. programme will cover a broad range of disciplines to enable the trained graduates
to make an objective judgment of the scientific importance and technological potential of
developments in micro- and nanotechnologies and to perform a range of activities related to
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The study programme will thus prepare the student to take
the challenge of meeting not only national needs in diverse areas of nanoscience and
nanotechnology but also to continue toward advanced studies anywhere in the world.

2. PROGRAMME ELIGIBILITY

Applicants seeking admission to this programme must have one of the following
degrees/qualifications from a recognized university.

(a) a B.Sc. Special Degree in Physics or Chemistry, or

(b) a B.Sc. General Degree in Science with Physics and/or Chemistry as a subject, or
(c) a B.Sc.Engineering Degree, or
(d) any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the Postgraduate Institute of Science
(PGIS).

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Only a limited number of candidates will be admitted to the programme in a given year. The
selection will be based on merit. Candidates should be proficient in English as English will
be the medium of instruction for the programme.

3. PROGRAMME FEE
(N.B. The Programme fees given below may be revised.)
M.Sc. programme fee
Local candidates Rs. 120,000/-
SAARC countries US $ 4,000/-
Other countries US $ 8,000/-

Programme fees shall be paid in two installments (50% at registration and the next 50%
within six months from registration). Other payments including registration fee, medical fee,
library subscription, examination fee and deposits (science and library) should be paid
according to the procedure stipulated by the PGIS.

4. THE PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND DURATION

This is a full-time programme consisting of course work and a research project. Course work
will be conducted over a period of two semesters of 15 - weeks each (during weekends and/or
weekdays). The entire programme duration will be about 18 months inclusive of 3-6 months
for the research project. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 24 credits of course work
(with a GPA of not less than 3.00) is required for the programme in addition to the six credits
allocated for the full-time research project (If the student obtains a GPA in the range 2.75 to
2.99, then he/she is eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma in Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology but not the M.Sc. Degree). Continuous attendance is compulsory during the
period of research work. After successful completion of the research project, the student is
eligible for the award of the M.Sc. Degree.

Programme Summary

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 Course Lecture Practical
Course Title Credits
Code hrs. hrs.
Semester I
CHN 501 Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 15 - 1
Basic Physics for Nanoscience and
PHN 502 30 - 2
Nanotechnology
CHN 503 Nanochemistry 30 - 2
CHN 504 Characterization Techniques for Nanomaterials 15 - 1
Biochemistry related to Nanoscience and
CHN 505 15 - 1
Nanotechnology
PHN 506 Carbon Nanotubes and Particles 15 - 1
CHN 507 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Laboratory I - 90 3
CHN 508 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Laboratory II - 60 2
Scientific Writing, Research Methodology and
CHN 597 15 - 1
Seminar
Semester II
Applications of Nanomaterials in Local
PHN 516 30 - 2
Industries
PHN 517 Nanotechnology in Energy Conversion and Storage* 30 - 2
PHN 518 Nanoelectronic Devices* 30 - 2
Nanobiotechnology and Nanotechnology in
CHN 519 30 - 2
Healthcare*
Business Enterprise, Economics and Research
CHN 520 30 - 2
Policy in Nanotechnology*
CHN 521 Environmental Nanotechnology* 30 - 2
CHN 599 Research Project (3 - 6 months) 6

* Optional courses. Students are required to obtain 8 credits from optional courses (No. of Credits
offered: Compulsory Courses = 16, Optional Courses = 10, Research Project = 06).

5. PROGRAMME CONTENTS

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CHN 501: Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (1 Credit)

Nanotechnology Timeline and Milestones, Overview of different nanomaterials available,

Potential uses of nanomaterials in electronics, robotics, computers, sensors in textiles, sports
equipment, mobile electronic devices, vehicles and transportation. Medical applications of
nanomaterials.

PHN 502: Basic Physics for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (2 Credits)

Introduction to Quantum and Statistical Physics: Electrons as waves, wave mechanics,

Schrödinger equation and particle in a box, Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, Introduction
to the operator formalism-bas, kets, expectation values, Spin and exclusion principle,
Boltzmann distribution, indistinguishable particles, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein
distributions.
Introduction to Solid State Physics: Crystal structure: free electron theory of metals, band
theory of solids, metals and insulators, Semiconductors: classification, electrons and holes,
transport properties, size and dimensionality effects, Quantum size effects in semiconductor
quantum dots and nanowires, The p-n junction and the bipolar transistor; metal-
semiconductor and metal-insulator, Semiconductor junctions; field-effect transistors,
MOSFETs, CMOS: heterostructures, high-electron-mobility devices, HEMTs, Quantum Hall
effect, Introduction to single electron transistors (SETs): quantum dots, single electron
effects, Coulomb blockade.
Introduction to magnetism and superconductivity: Basic Magnetic Phenomena;
paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism, anti-ferromagnetism, neon-magnetism,
grant and colossal magnetoresistance: ferrofluids, Basic superconductivity phenomena, flux
quantization and Josephson effects.

CHN 503: Nanochemistry (2 Credits)

Novel physical chemistry related to nanoparticles such as colloids and clusters: different
equilibrium structures, quantum effects, conductivity and enhanced catalytic activity
compared to the same materials in the macroscopic state.
Exploitation of self-assembly and self-organization to design functional structures in 1D, 2D
or 3D structures. Examples to emphasize on self-assembled monolayers.
Role of polymers in lithography resists, as well as self-organization of more complicated
polymer architectures such as block copolymers and polymer brushes.
Nanomaterials (Nanoparticles, nanoclusters, quantum dots synthesis): Preparation and
Characterization: “Top-Down” and “Bottom-Up” approaches of nanomaterial (nanoparticles,
nanoclusters and quantum dots) synthesis: Top-down techniques: photolithography, other
optical lithography (EUV, X-Ray, LIL), particle-beam lithographies (e-beam, FIB, shadow
mask evaporation), probe lithographies, Bottom-up techniques: self-assembly, self-assembled
monolayers, directed assembly, layer-by-layer assembly. Pattern replication techniques: soft
lithography, nanoimprint lithography. Pattern transfer and enhancement techniques: dry
etching, wet etching, pattern growth techniques (polymerization, directed assembly).
Combination of Top-Down and Bottom-up techniques: current state-of-the-art.

CHN 504: Characterization Techniques for Nanomaterials (1 Credit)

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Characterization Techniques Related to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Compositional
surface analysis: XPS, SIMS, Contact angles. Microscopies: optical microscopy, fluorescence
and confocal microscopy, TEM, SEM, Probe techniques: Scanning tunneling microscopy
(STM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Scanning Nearfield Optical Microscopy SNOM,
Scanning Ion Conducting Microscopy (SICM). Ellipsometry, Neutron Scattering and XRD,
Spectroscopic Techniques: UV-visible, FT-IR, Raman, NMR, ESR. Electrochemical
Techniques: Voltammetric techniques, AC Impedance Analysis.

CHN 505: Biochemistry related to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (1 Credit)

Basic Aspects of Molecular Biology: Structure and function of proteins, antibodies, enzymes
and implications for processing. Nucleic acids: DNA, RNA. Lipids: structure, role in
membranes. The mammalian cell: Internal organization, specialized cells such as nerve cells.
Building up of nano-structures that incorporate biological molecules as components of the
system. Use of biological design strategies as removable scaffolds and templates for the
bottom-up assembly of nanomaterials. Applications of nanotechnology in biotechnology:
killing cancer cells, providing oxygen and artificial mitochondria.

PHN 506: Carbon Nanotubes and Particles (1 Credit)

Synthesis and purification of carbon nanotubes, Single-walled carbon nanotubes and

multiwalled carbon nanotubes, Structure-property relationships, Physical properties,
Applications.

CHN 507: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Laboratory I (3 Credits)

Synthesis of nanometre scale particles of colloidal semiconductors such as TiO2, CdS, ZnO,
SnO2, Cu2S, CuCNS, Cu2O, BaTiO3, SrTiO3 by wet chemical methods, hydrothermal
methods, and pyrolytic or high temperature methods.
Characterization of colloidal semiconductor materials by UV-visible spectroscopy, XRF
studies, XRD methods and determination of particle size using XRD half peak width.
Determination of conductivity type by Mott-Shottky plots, cyclic voltammetry and AC-
impedance analysis.
Deposition of thin films of semiconductor nanostructures by doctor blading, screen printing,
and using the Langmuir-Blogett film casting techniques.
Dye sensitization of semiconductor nanosctructures and construction of solar cells.
Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles of technologically valuable natural minerals
such as hydroxyapatite, ferric phosphate, colloidal silica nanoparticles and their
characterization by XRD, XRF, FT-IR methods.
Clay-polymer nanocomposites: Clay-ionically conducting polymer nanocomposites and
determination of their ionic conductivities by AC impedance analysis, clay-electronically
conducting polymer nanocomposites and determination of their electronic and ionic
conductivities through AC impedance analysis and current-time plots at constant applied
potential using blocking and non-blocking electrodes.
Synthesis of layered double hydroxides and investigation of anion separation using layered
double hydroxides.
Pillard clays and clay-polystyrene, clay-poly(vinyl alcohol), clay-poly(methyl methacylate),
clay-polyacylonitrile, clay-poly(ethylene oxide) nanocomposites and determination of their
mechanical and thermal properties.

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Covalent attachment of semiconductor nanoparticles into textile fibres and textile materials.
Investigation of stain-resistant properties and antimicrobial activities.
Preparation of mosquito-repellent textiles.

CHN 508: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Laboratory II (2 Credits)

Carbon nanotubes and carbon nanoparticles: Preparation of carbon nanotubes by pyrolysis of

organic gases/Pyrolytic thermal treatment of graphite followed by annealing. Purification of
carbon nanotubes, Investigation of extent of purification using XRD, SEM studies of carbon
nanotubes (to be carried out elsewhere), Extraction of carbon nanoparticles from vehicle
exhausts, Characterization and Particle size analysis using XRD.
Top-down approach to nanoparticles of local minerals: crushing, grinding and milling,
Preparation of graphite nanoparticles.
Preparation of colloidal graphite nanoparticles and investigation of their technological uses as
lubricants.
Preparation of self-assembled monolayers and their characterization using AFM, contact
angle measurements, AC-impedance analysis.

CHN 597: Scientific Writing, Research Methodology and Seminar (1 Credit)

Compulsory for all students: Each student is required to present a seminar under the
supervision of a staff member assigned by the course coordinator.

The nature and concepts of research, types of research and tools of research, research design
and conceptualization, operationalization measurement and causality, survey of research and
data collection techniques, strategies for data analysis and their applications, scientific and
technical writing, writing research reports/thesis and scientific papers, compilation of
bibliography, information gathering through internet and use of electronic resources.

PHN 516: Applications of Nanomaterials in Local Industries

Applications of nanoscience and nanotechnology in Sri Lankan industries: Garment industry:

Smart textiles with antimicrobial properities, stain-resistant properties, mosquito-repellent
properties, nanosensors to detect body temperature, pressure, pulse rate, and so on. Rubber
industry: Clay-rubber nanocomposites, carbon nanotube-rubber nanocomposites. Activated
carbon industry: Applications of activated carbon nanostructures in supercapacitors, gas
separation, catalysis. Local minerals for advanced industries: Graphite, ilmanite, quartz, mica,
rutile, zircon, feldspars, gems etc. Electronics industry: Solar cells, electronic components,
light-emitting diodes, liquid-crystal display devices, electronically conducting polymers,
ionically conducting polymers, batteries, fuel cells.

PHN 517: Nanotechnology in Energy Conversion and Storage (2 Credits)

Improvements in solar energy conversion and storage; better energy-efficient lighting;

stronger and lighter materials that will improve energy transportation efficiency; use of low-
energy chemical pathways to break down toxic substances for remediation and restoration;
and better sensors and controls to increase efficiency in manufacturing and processing.
Energy Storage: Fuel Cells, Carbon Nanotubes for energy storage, Hydrogen Storage in
Carbon Nanotubes, Use of nanoscale catalysts to save energy and increase the productivity in
industry, Rechargeable batteries based on nanomaterials.

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Goals for the next 5-10 years – solutions and barriers in Nanotechnology and energy.

PHN 518: Nanoelectronic Devices (2 Credits)

Nanoscale electronic, optical, liquid crystal and magnetic devices, Spintronic devices
including spin valves and MRAM devices, nanoscale semiconductor electronic devices
including CMOS at sub-15 nm gate length, III-V and wide band gap devices, solid state
devices for quantum computation including Josephson junctions and quantum dots, nanoscale
photonic devices including photonic band gap materials. Nanoscale liquid crystal display and
nondisplay devices, organic electronic devices.

CHN 519: Nanobiotechnology and Nanotechnology in Healthcare (2 Credits)

Doctor-Patient Interface: Testing Devices in the Doctor’s Office. e.g. of blood and urine
samples for Home / Ambulance / Bedside Monitoring.
Underpinning Electronic and Optical Techniques: Amperometric sensors, Potentiometric
sensors including chemically sensitive field effect transistors, Optical sensors including
evanescent field sensors and optical waveguide sensors, Surface Plasmon Resonance sensors,
Resonant Mirror sensors, Capillary Fill Devices, Electro-mechanical Devices such as
cantilever bridge sensors.
Underpinning Biological Techniques: Enzyme-based assays, Antibody-based assays, Nucleic
acid-based techniques e.g., Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Lab-on-a-chip.
Applications in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Adaptation of above techniques for large
analyte panel testing e.g., Lab-on-a-chip in screening in drug development, Development of
techniques for process control in pharmaceutical industry.
Applications in Medical Research Laboratories: Development of instrumentation for
understanding bioprocesses.
Applications in the Hospital Environment: Implantation of large scale integrated circuits, e.g.,
to bypass lesion in paraplegia and provide muscle control, Nanotechnology in devising
hybrid systems in which electronic and neural elements communicate. Novel nanoscale
imaging agents at the research level.
Bionanomachines in action: Biomolecules; Structure and function of Proteins,
Polysaccharides, Lipids, Nucleic acids; DNA and RNA.
Biomolecular design and Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA technology, Biomolecular
structure determination, Molecular Modeling.
Structural principles of Bionanotechnology: The raw materials; biomolecular structure and
stability, Protein folding, Self assembly, Self-organization, Molecular recognition, Flexibility
Functional principles of Bionanotechnology: Information driven nano-assembly, Energetics,
Chemical transformation, Regulation, Biomaterials, Biomolecular motors, Traffic across
membranes, Biomolecular sensing, Self replication, Machine-Phase bionanotechnology.
Bionanotechnology today: Basic capabilities, Nanomedicine, Molecular design using
biological selection, Harnessing molecular motors, Artificial life, Hybrid materials,
Biosensors.
The future of Bionanotechnology: Ethical considerations, Case studies.

CHN 520: Business Enterprise, Economics and Research Policy in Nanotechnology

(2 Credits)

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Nanotechnology landscape and commercially attributable sectors, tools to map, understand
and segment the nanotechnology marketplace, Frameworks for developing nanotechnology
marketplace, management issues, Costing strategies, commercialization strategies,
Intellectual Property Issues, Societal Impacts, Health and Safety Issues, Customer
understanding, marketing, social and policy issues arising from the development of
nanotechnology, ethics. Nanotechnology in sustainability and wealth of nations,
organizations and entire industries in the future. How the nations prepare talent, intellectual
property, capital and technical expertise to develop the petro-economy, healthcare products
and power supply to the nation. Funding strategies/ Education policies in the world and Sri
Lanka. Worldwide Research Activities. Tools and Nanoproduct Development. Present Global
Nanotechnology efforts.

CHN 521: Environmental Nanotechnology (2 Credits)

Reduced waste and improved energy efficiency.

Waste remediation: Nanoporous polymers and their applications in water purification, Photo-
catalytic fluid purification. Energy conversion. Hierarchical self-assembled nano-structures
for adsorption of heavy metals. Pollution by Nano-particles.

CHN 599: Research Project (6 Credits)

Students are required to carry out a research project of 3-6 month duration related to
Nanoscience/Nanotechnology. Whenever possible, each student is assigned with a supervisor
from among the panel of teachers. Arrangements could also be made to pursue research
studies at institutions other than the relevant faculties of University of Peradeniya. In such
circumstances, the student is assigned with two supervisors: an internal supervisor from the
panel of teachers and an external supervisor from the institution where the research project is
carried out.

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6. COURSE COORDINATORS
Appearing within square brackets are the course numbers for which each coordinator is
responsible. Each course will be conducted by the respective coordinator and associated
experts identified by the respective course coordinator.

Professor HMN Bandara, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya

B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Aston) [CHN 504, CHN 507]
Dr. LRAK Bandara, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Perad.) [PHN 518]
Professor MA Careem, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Cey.), Ph.D. (Lond.) [PHN 506]
Mrs. S Ileperuma, Science Library, University of Peradeniya.
B.Sc. (Perad.), MLH (Col.) [CHN 597]
Dr. ADHK Kankanamge, Department of Economics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Oklahoma) [CHN 520]
Professor BSB Karunaratne, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Cey.), Ph.D. (Warwick) [PHN 516]
Dr. N Karunaratne, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Col.), Ph.D. (Br. Col.) [CHN 505]
Professor HMDN Priyantha, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Hawaii) [CHN 521]
Professor RMG Rajapakse, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Lond.) [CHN 501, CHN 507, CHN 508, CHN 599]
Dr. RGS Rajapakse, Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of
Peradeniya, B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Japan) [CHN 508, CHN 519]
Prof. K Premaratne, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Cey.), M.S., Ph.D. (Hawaii) [PHN 502, PHN 517]
Dr. L Samaranayaka, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc.Eng. (Perad.), MIEEE, AMIESL, Ph.D. (Tech. Lic.) [PHN 518]
Dr. VN Seneviratne, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Cambridge) [CHN 503]

OTHER RESOURCE PERSONS

Dr. RMW Amaradasa, National Science Foundation (NSF), Colombo.

B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Sri Lanka)
Professor BMR Bandara, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (ANU)
Dr. NC Bandara, PGIS, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), M.Sc. (New Orleans), Ph.D. (New Orleans)
Dr. WMAT Bandara, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (TIT)
Dr. PWSK. Bandaranayake, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Perad.)
Dr. RLN Chandrakanthi, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Perad.)
Professor MAKL Dissanayake, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Cey.), M.S., Ph.D. (Indiana)
Dr. P Ekanayake, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), M.Sc. (Perad.) Ph.D. (MLU-Germany)

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Dr. CV Hettiarachchi, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (TIT)
Professor OA Ileperuma, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Cey.), Ph.D. (Arizona)
Professor V Karunaratne, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Col.), Ph.D. (Br. Col.)
Dr. N Kottegoda, Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayawardanepura
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Cambridge)
Dr. S Maithripala, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna
B.Sc.Eng.(Perad.), M.Phil. (Perad.), M.Sc. & Ph.D. (TTU, Texas)
Dr. MGYU Manavadevi, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Wayne State University)
Dr. AN Navaratne, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Hawaii)
Professor ADLC Perera, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (TIT)
Dr. VA Seneviratne, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Oklahoma)
Professor R Silva, Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey, UK
B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (Cantab) CEng CPhys FIEE FInstP
Dr. V Sivakumar, Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Georgia State University)
Professor DTB Tennakoon, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Cey.), Ph.D. (Wales)
Professor K Tennakone, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy.
B.Sc. (Ceylon), Ph.D. (Hawaii)
Professor SAR Weerasuriya, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy.
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (Sri Lanka)
Professor A Wickramasinghe, Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. (Perad.), Ph.D. (FRG)

7. PROGRAMME COORDINATORS

Professor RMG Rajapakse

Department of Chemistry
University of Peradeniya
Peradeniya
Tel.: 081 2394442 E-mail: rmgr@pdn.ac.lk
Dr. LRAK Bandara
Department of Physics
University of Peradeniya
Peradeniya
Tel.: 081 2394585 E-mail: kalingab@pdn.ac.lk
Dr. VN Seneviratne
Department of Chemistry
University of Peradeniya
Peradeniya
Tel.: 081 2389129 E-mail: vns@pdn.ac.lk

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